Wastewater Pre-Treatment Operations Subject Matter Expert

I-2-I Solutions, Inc. is seeking an experienced Wastewater Pre-Treatment Operations Subject Matter Expert to provide technical and operational support for the wastewater pre-treatment system at the USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. This is a senior-level, part-time consulting position supporting a mission-critical laboratory campus.

About the role

The selected consultant will work directly with wastewater plant personnel through remote consultations and scheduled on-site support. The estimated level of effort is approximately 150 hours per year, including periodic travel to Manhattan, Kansas. The current requirement anticipates at least one annual on-site support session consisting of two eight-hour workdays.

Responsibilities

• Review treatment-process performance and recommend improvements to chemical dosing, equipment operation, process controls, and operating procedures
• Interpret meter readings, gauge readings, operating data, and laboratory results to determine whether process adjustments are necessary
• Help facility personnel maintain compliance with wastewater discharge permits and applicable environmental requirements
• Advise the project team regarding changes to wastewater-treatment regulations, standards, and industry practices
• Assist with reports, permit documentation, and communications involving regulatory agencies, including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Troubleshoot operational issues and recommend corrective actions that support system reliability, efficiency, and service life
• Evaluate new wastewater-treatment equipment and technologies for effectiveness, compatibility, and feasibility
• Provide limited technical assistance with the design, installation, startup, and commissioning of new or upgraded systems
• Prepare written reports following on-site support sessions, including findings, recommendations, and relevant product or equipment information
• Participate in telephone, virtual, and on-site meetings with facility personnel
• Prepare meeting agendas and provide accurate meeting minutes
• Track and report hours used under the annual support allocation

The work will support a wastewater team of approximately 14 personnel at a 45-acre, nine-building campus that includes high-containment laboratory operations.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment or wastewater pre-treatment system operations
• Experience providing operational support for wastewater facilities, preferably systems serving laboratories, healthcare facilities, industrial facilities, research campuses, or other complex operations
• Strong understanding of treatment processes, chemical dosing, instrumentation, process controls, equipment operation, and troubleshooting
• Ability to interpret laboratory data, operating trends, meters, gauges, and regulatory permit requirements
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local wastewater regulations
• Experience preparing technical reports, operational recommendations, permit-related documentation, and regulatory submissions
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to plant operators, facility managers, engineers, and government representatives
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with the I-2-I Solutions project-management team and USDA personnel
• Availability to provide remote support during normal business hours and travel to Manhattan, Kansas, when scheduled

Security and Site-Access Requirements

Because the work will be performed at a secure federal research facility, the selected individual must:

• Be a United States citizen
• Successfully complete the required USDA fitness and suitability process, which may include a Tier 2 background investigation
• Possess a current REAL ID-compliant government-issued identification or an acceptable federal PIV/CAC credential
• Complete required USDA and NBAF site-specific security, biosafety, operational-security, and digital-media training
• Comply with all facility policies, standard operating procedures, access controls, inspection requirements, and security restrictions
• Follow restrictions concerning photography, video, personal electronic devices, and controlled information
• Wear appropriate site attire, including a sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes

Physical and digital access will not be provided until all required suitability and security reviews have been completed.

Preferred Experience

• Wastewater systems serving research laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, hospitals, universities, industrial plants, or high-containment facilities
• Biological or chemical wastewater-treatment processes
• Industrial pretreatment programs and discharge permitting
• Process optimization and chemical-use reduction
• Wastewater equipment evaluation, installation, startup, or commissioning
• Preparation of documentation for KDHE, EPA, or comparable regulatory agencies
• Consulting or technical-assistance contracts involving federal facilities
• Work in secure, occupied, or mission-critical operating environments

Schedule

Most support may be performed remotely through telephone calls, virtual meetings, document reviews, and data analysis. On-site support will be performed at:

National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
1980 Denison Avenue
Manhattan, Kansas

Normal facility work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Work outside normal hours requires advance approval.

Employment arrangement: Part-time consultant or independent contractor
Estimated workload: Approximately 150 hours annually
Travel: Periodic travel to Manhattan, Kansas
Contract period: One base year with up to four option years